On the road from Beirut to Damascus, people find their footing in a new Syria

By Leila Fadel

Published December 12, 2024 at 5:14 AM EST

The road to Damascus tells the story of a new Syria emerging from 54 years of authoritarian rule by one family, the Assads. Today's Syria is no longer theirs.

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a national correspondent for NPR based in Los Angeles, covering issues of culture, diversity, and race.

See stories by Leila Fadel

Missing American found in Syria wandering bare foot in a Damascus suburb

Ruth Sherlock

The American identified himself Travis Timmerman. He says he was held for seven months in Sednaya -- a notorious prison in which thousands of people were arbitrarily detained under the Syrian regime.
Controversial pick: Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup

Aya Batrawy

The FIFA games in 2034 will bring the world to Saudi Arabia, a crowning moment as the country overhauls its economy and rebrands itself on the global stage.
Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis pushes back on some Trump ideas

Steve Inskeep

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Gov. Jared Polis about his thoughts on the incoming Trump administration, and the power of pardons.